1797 $1 10x6 Stars, Large Letters AU53 PCGS. B-3, BB-71,
R.2. The low mintage 1797 Draped Bust, Small Eagle dollar has been
prized by collectors since the hobby first gained popularity in
this country. The three die varieties of the date were recognized
in the Haseltine Type Table in 1881, but catalogers began to
distinguish between the major varieties at a much earlier date. An
example of the B-3 variety was featured in lot 1475 of the Sixth
Semi-Annual Sale (Woodward, 10/1864), "1797 Six stars facing, very
fine indeed, and scarce." One can only wonder if Woodward's terse
description represents a much earlier appearance of the desirable
coin offered here.
The present coin is lightly toned in shades of lavender and gray,
with a few darker spots of russet on both sides. Nearly all
original detail remains on this attractive specimen, but the strike
is characteristically weak on the central devices. A few shallow
adjustment marks are evident on the bust. Population: 8 in 53, 17
finer (3/10).(Registry
values: P4) (NGC ID# 24X4, PCGS# 6865)